Hypertension in Australia: A new meta-analysis on prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rates
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by
Michele
MicheleHypertension Australia welcomes a recent systematic review and meta-analysis that provides crucial insights into areas requiring focus to improve hypertension control rates – a key objective of the National Hypertension Taskforce. This study, which pooled data from published studies and individual participant data from population-based studies, reveals significant challenges in managing this critical health issue.
The analysis shows that after 2010, approximately 31% of Australian adults were living with hypertension. Alarmingly, only about half of these individuals were aware of their condition or receiving treatment, and merely one-third had their blood pressure adequately controlled. While there has been a gradual improvement in treatment and control rates over recent decades, Australia still lags behind many other high-income countries. Our control rate of 34% is significantly lower than Germany (58%), Canada (50%), and the USA (54%), highlighting the urgent need for enhanced strategies to combat hypertension.
While there has been a gradual improvement in treatment and control rates over recent decades, Australia still lags behind many other high-income countries. Our control rate of 34% is significantly lower than Germany (58%), Canada (50%), and the USA (54%), highlighting the urgent need for enhanced strategies to combat hypertension.
Gender disparities in hypertension management were also revealed. Men showed a higher prevalence of hypertension until their 70s, while women were more likely to be aware of their condition and receive treatment. This underscores the need for targeted interventions that address these gender-specific challenges.
The 2017 National Health Survey data included in this analysis paints a concerning picture of medication use. Over one-third of individuals who reported having hypertension were not using any medication, and about 40% were only on monotherapy. Perhaps most worrying is that half of those with uncontrolled hypertension were not taking any medication at all.
A key finding of this systematic review was the limited availability of data for Australian researchers to evaluate and track important blood pressure statistics. The National Hypertension Taskforce strongly advocates for government investment in a national blood pressure registry to collect and collate quality data. This would not only track the progress of the Taskforce but also provide vital statistics on Australia’s leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
As Hypertension Australia, we view these findings as a clear call to action. We must intensify our efforts in hypertension prevention, detection, and treatment. This includes promoting regular blood pressure checks, enhancing public awareness about the risks of uncontrolled hypertension, and working with healthcare providers to optimize treatment strategies.
For those interested in delving deeper into these important findings, the full meta-analysis is available here. Together, we can work towards improving hypertension management and reducing its impact on the health of all Australians.
